Importance

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Abstract

A device for supporting weak bony structures comprises an elongated tubular body having first and second ends configured for contacting adjacent bony structures. A tubular body is formed by a plurality of intersecting elongate bars with a first group of bars having their longitudinal axes arranged perpendicular to the axis of the tubular body, and a second group of bars having their axes arranged at non-perpendicular angles relative to the body axis. The tubular body also includes a plurality of joints formed by the intersection of two perpendicular bars and four angled bars. The ends of the tubular body are defined only by the intersection of angled bars. The ends include a plurality of substantially flat end surfaces that have a surface area greater than the combined cross-sectional areas of the intersecting angled bars forming the joints at the end of the body. In a preferred embodiment, the end surfaces have an undercut between the surfaces and the intersecting angled bars. The tubular body can assume various shapes when viewed from an end, such as circular and non-circular shapes including at least one flat side.

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First Claim